Lidding machine



H. PAxTN LIDDING MACHINE June 4, 1935.

Filedsept. e, 1932 s sheets-'sheetV 1Y l /A/l/E/VTQQ HALE C24/YT@v mHfml nunulmumu mil @faQ/vir lune 4, 1935. H. PAXTON 2,003,304

f LIDDING MACHINE FiledSept'. 6, 1932 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented June 4, 122935 l UNITED STATES PATENTf'oi-*Fice Lumine. Maenner.

Hale Paxton, Redlands, Calif., assigner to Paxton Credit Corporation, Sanger, Calif., a corporation of California it: i

Application September 6, 1932, Serial No. 631,790

i 16 Claims. (Cl. 110) My invention relates to the art ofsecuring covof a modified form of lidding` machine f my i11-v ers to shipping cases,and more particularly to a Vention.' lidding machine for applying and securing cov- Fig. 8 is a fragmentary vertical Asectional view ers to shipping crates when the latter arelined taken on the line 8-8 of Fig. 7. and crown packed. In the agricultural industry Fig. 9 is afragmentary elevational view showing 5 many fruits and vegetables are packed in suita stage inthe'operation of the machine as shown able crates or boxes for shipment, it being custoin Fig. 7, and mary to overu these shipping cases so that Fig. 10 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view the contents thereof extend above the top of the taken on the line |0|0 of Fig. 9.`

10 case to form a crown pack. Certain produce, Referring speciflcallyto the drawings, a lidu 10 suchv as fresh lettuce, is packed in crateswhich ding machine I0 comprising a preferred embodiare provided with oiledpaper liners, the end .porment` 0f my invention is shown in Figs. 1 to 6' tions of these linershanging over Ythe crate sides inclusive, ythis machine including a frame Il, a to form flaps which are folded over the top of crate elevator I2, nailing mechanism I3. end

the pack prior to the llidding of the case. y tuckers I4, and side tuckers I5. 15

Layers of lettuce and layers of cracked ice are Referring particularly to Figs. 1 andj2, the placed alternately in the lettuce crates, these frame II includes a suitable base (not shown), crates being overfilled so that the crown of the from which extends apair of vertical standards pack often extends a to 10 inches above the top joined at the vupper ends thereof as by a cross- 20 of the crate. when this type of pack is ccmbar 2l. Secured to and extending forwardly from 2o pressed by the lidding machine as the lid is being upper portions of the. standards 20 are brackets applied tothe crate, the liner naps which cover 22. Fixed at cppcsite ends thereof t0 the brackets thevcrown of the pack are given considerable 22 are front and rear horizontally aligned rods slack which results in a wrinkled, untidy appear- 23 and 24, respectively, as snOWn in Figs- 1 and 6.

25 ing liner after the lid is nailed in place. The elevator I2 includes a hydraulic cylinder 25 Due to the curvature of the top of a, crown 2,5 having apiston (not shown) from which c. packed crate most cf the slack in the nner flaps piston rod 26 extends vertically; Slidable vertioccurs at ends of the crate. cally in the frame I I and fixed to the upper end It is, therefore, an object of my invention to of the piston rod 26 is a crate receiving platform .30 provide c. iidding machine whichis adapted tc 21, the ietter ybeing adapted to be raised and so take up the slack condition of liner flaps above ylowered by the Cylinder 25. operatively mountnoted, particularly at the ends of the crate, so ed on the platform 21 are automatic crate stops that after a lid is applied to the crate the liner 28 as shown in Fig. 1. flaps will be left tightly drawn over the crown I'he nailing mechanism I3 includes a plurality of the pack. x y of nail chucks 32, the latter having drivers I3 a5 Further objects and advantages win be made slidable vertically therein asshowninFis. 1. The manifest in `the following description taken in drivers 33 are actuated by asuitable mechanism connection with the accompanying drawings, in (not shown) et the will of the operator of the which: machine I0. l

40 Fig. 1 is a fragmentary front elevational view A detailed description 0f the Structure and 0D' 40 of a preferred form .of Edding machine of my eration of the .cratev elevator I2 and nailing invention mechanism I3 will be found in my copending application for U. S. Letters Patent Serial No.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary side elevational view cf the machine shown in Fig. 1 taken in the dimed Janfary 18? .1932' for Llddmg ma' a Iection of the arrow 2 of Fig' 1' The end tuckers Il are supported at opposite Fig- 3 1S a' perspetive View o: a packed let sides ofthe 'machine Illbelow the brackets 22 by time cratemeans of depending arms 35 and links 38, the Fig. 4 is s fragmentary. front elevetlonal new arms a5 having integra1cc11crs 31 which are nxed 0f a `D0rti0n of the machine shown 1n Fig. 1 to opposite ends of the rods 23 and 24, as shown 60 showing a stage in the operation thereof. in Figs. 1 and 2.

Fiss. 5 and 6 are fragmentary Vertical Sec- The side tuckers I5 are swung from the rods -tional views taken on the lines 5 5 and 6 6 re- 23 and 24` by apertured mounting arms 40, as spectively of Fig. 4. shown in Figs'. 1 and 5, the arms 40 being Dosi- Fig. 'I is a fragmentary front elevational view tioned on the rods 23 and 24`by suitable collars I6 4I. Bolted to the arms 40, adjacent the lower edges thereof, are horizontal bars 42 to which front and rear identical side tucker plates 43 are fixed. The lower edges of the plates 43 are formed, as shown in Fig. 1, to provide end portions 44 which extend downward below a central portion 45 thereof.

The end tuckers I4 and side tuckers I5 are adapted to be operated by a suitable mechanism 41, the latter being actuated in response to vertical movement of the platform 21 by a vertical rod 48.

A detailed description of the structure and operation of the end tuckers I4, side tuckers I5, and the mechanism 41 will be found in my copending application for U. S. Letters patent, Serial No. 554,212, filed July 3l, 1931, for Lidding machine.

The machine I0 of my invention differs from the lidding machine of my copending application Serial No. 554,212 only in the formation and operation of the aforementioned side tucker plates 43.

The crate 29, shown in the drawings, illustrates a typical lettuce pack, this crate having an oiled paper liner 5U provided therein. The liner 50 is placed in the crate 29 prior to filling the crate, and the loose ends of the liner are allowed t0 hang over the ends and sides of the crate to form end flaps 5I and side flaps 52. After the lettuce and cracked ice are packed in the crate, the end flaps 5I and side flaps 52 are folded over the top of the pack with the side flaps on top, as shown in Fig. 3. Due to the curvature of the top of the lettuce pack, as aforementioned, the side flaps. 52

only contact the center portion of the pack, it'

Operation Crates, such as the crate 29, are fed onto the platform 21 of the machine I0 by a suitabledelivery conveyor (not shown) and the crate is automatically positioned on ther platform 21 by the stops 28, as shown in Fig. 1. A lid`55 is manually placed in the machine I0 and is supported by the end tuckers I4 as shown. The operator then depresses a foot pedal (not shown) which causes the hydraulic cylinder 25 to elevate the platform 21 and crate 29.

' The side tuckers I5 are normally positioned as shown in Fig. 2, and when the crate 29 reaches 'a predetermined point during its upward travel the rod 48 actuates the mechanism 41, the latter actuating the end tuckers I4 and the side tuckers I5. 'Actuation of the side tuckers I5 causes these to swing inwardly about the rods 23 and 24 so that the side tucker plates 43 gather theoverfilled portion of the lettuce pack inwardly from over the upper edges of the sides of the crate 29. As the crate continues upward the sides of the crate slide over the plates 43, as shown in Figs. 4, 5, and 6, it beingnotedthat the plates 43 are now disposed between the contents of the crate and the side walls thereof. As the plates 43 contact the lettuce pack, the lower edges of these plates engage the side flaps 52 of the liner 50 and tuck portions of these `flaps downwardly between the walls of the crate and the contents thereof, thus drawing the flaps 52 intourm engagement with the top of the pack. Due tothe fact that the end portions 44 of the plates 43 extend downward below the center portions45 of.'these plates, the edge portions 53 of the side flaps 52 are tucked downward a greater distance than the center portions of the flaps 52, as shown vin Fig. 6, thus crate.

drawing the flaps 52 into firm contact with the entire upper surface of the top of the contents of y the crate 29. When the crate 29 arrives at its uppermost position, as shown in Fig. 4, the lid 55 is nailed to the crate in the conventional manner and the crate is lowered and discharged from the platform 21.

Referring particularly to Figs. l to 10 inclusive, I have shown therein a lidding machine 60, the latter including a pair of modified side tucker plates 6I, like reference numerals being used to vdenote like parts in the machines I0 and 60.

The tucker plates 6I of the machine 60, only one of which is shown, are mounted on the rods 23 andxu24 in the same manner that the plates 43 are mounted onthe machine I0. The plates 6| are formed to provide downwardly extending end portions 62 and rectangular openings 63, as shown in Fig. 7. Formed integral with, and extending upwardly from the upper edges of the plates 6I are projections 64 to which bearings 65 are fixed. Secured to the plates 6| in vertical, axial alignment with the bearings 65 are bearings 68. f

Slidable 4vertically in the openings 63 of the plates 6I arev rectangulary plates 61, the surfaces of the latter being disposed in alignment with the surfaces of the plates 6I. Welded or otherwise secured to the upper edges of the plates 61 are vertical rods 68, these being slidably received by the bearings 65 and 66. The plates 61 are normally urged downwardly by springs 69, the latter bearing against pins 10 in the rods 68 as shown. Fixed on the outer surfaces of the plates 61 by screws 1I are angle ironbars 12, the latter extending beyond the plates 61 in overlapping relation with the portionsV 62 of the plates 6I as shown. Provided in the plates 61 are pairs of horizontally aligned holes 13 adapted to threadedly receive the screws 1I for the purpose of adjusting the angle bars 12 vertically on the plates 61. Y

The normal position of the slidable plates 61 relative to the plates 6I is shown in Figs. 'I and 8, it being noted that the lowermost points of the plates 61 and portions 62 of the plates 6I are disposed in substantial horizontal alignment. The plates 61 remain' in this position during vthe gathering of the overflow portion of the pack in the crate 29, as shown in Fig. 8, and as the crate sides slide up over the plates 6I, portions of the side flaps 52' of the crate liner 50 are tucked downward between the walls and contents of the As the sides of the crate continue to slide upwardly over the plates 6I, the upper edges of the crate sides contact the angle bars 12 of the plates 61 causing these plates to be lifted with the crate as shown in Figs. 9 and l0. As the platesy 61 rise with the crate 29, the end portions 62 of the plates 6I continue their tucking action until the slack edge portions 53 of the flaps 52 are drawn into ysnug contact with the top of the contents of the crate 29.

After the crate 29 is lidded by the machine 60 thev crate is lowered as aforedescribed and the plates 61 are spring-pressed downwardly to their normal position as shown in Fig. 7.

It is seen that I have provided a very simple side tucking means. for lidding machines which will take up the slack condition of crate liners so that the lining in lidded crates will be snugly drawn over the pack and thus present a neat appearance. y

Although I have shown and described but one preferred and one modified form of my invention,

bination of: means forpressing a lid onto said crate so as to bow the ends of the lid downwardly against the ends of the crate permitting the middle of the lid to be bowed upwardly by said contents; and means for tucking 'slack occurring in said liner along the sides of said crate, as said lid is pressed onto said crate, downwardly a given distance inside the upper side slats of said crate at the middle of said slats and greater distances at the ends of said slats.

2. In a machine for lidding a lined and overlled shipping crate with portions of said liner folder over the top of the contents of said crate and with excess top portions of said liner disposed over end portions of said contents, the combination of: means for pressing a lid onto said crate so as to bow the ends of the lid downwardly against the ends of the crate permitting the middle of the lid to be bowed upwardlyl by said'contents; a pair of tuckers disposed at opposite sides of said crate; and means for shifting said tuckers inwardly over the interior of said crate and for causing relative vertical movement between ysaid crate and said tuckers to bring said tuckers inside of the upper side slats of said crate, said tuckers including central portions for tucking said liner downwardly a given distance at the middle of said crate, and end portions for tucking said liner downwardly greater distances at the ends of said crate.

3. In a machine for lidding a lined and overfllled shipping crate with portions of said liner folded over the top of the contents of said crate and with excess top portions of said liner disposed over end portions of said contents, the combination of means for pressing a lid onto said crate in position for securing said lid to said crate; and a plurality of side tucking members associated with said lidding machine, end portions of said members extending downwardly a greater distance than the center portions thereof, said side tucking members being adapted to thrust portions of said crate liner downward between the walls and contents of said crate so as to take up said excess portions of said liner.

4. In a machine for lidding a lined and overfilled shipping crate, the combination of: means for pressing a lid onto said crate in position for securing said lid to said crate; tucking means provided on said lidding machine, said tucking means being adapted to gather overiilled portions of said crate contents inwardly from over the upper edges of the sides of said crate; and liner tucking blades provided on said tucking means, said blades being formed at their lower edges with end portions thereof extending downwardly beyond the center portions thereof.

5. In a liner tucking device for a lined crate lidding machine, the combination of a plurality of tucker blades; means disposing said blades vertically to tuck portions of a crate liner downwardly between the walls and contents of said crate; and means for limiting the degree of tucking action of certain of said bladesrelative kto the upper edges of said walls of said crate.

6. In a machine for lidding a lined and overfilled shipping crate with portions of said liner folded over the top of the Ycontents of said crate and with excess top portions of said liner disposed over end portions of said contents, the combination of means for tucking said excess portions of said liner downward between the side walls and contents of said crate; supplementary tucking means slidably mounted on said `,first mentioned tucking means; and-means provided on said supplementary tucking means for limiting relative vertical movement of said supplementary tucking means and .said crate.

'7. In a machine for lidding a lined and overfilled shipping crate with portionsof said liner folded over the top of the contents of said crate and with excess top portions of said liner disposed over end portions of said contents, the combination of means for tucking said excess portions of said liner downward between the side walls and contents of said crate; supplementary tucking means slidably mounted 'on said iirst mentioned tucking means; and stop means provided on said vsupplementary tucking means, said stop means being adapted to contact upper edges of said side walls of said crate to as to limit'the tucking action of said supplementary tucking means.

8. In a machine for lidding a lined and overlled shipping crate, the combination of means for pressing a lid onto said crate in position for securing said lid to saidcrate; a pair of side tucking members provided on .said machine; downwardly extending tucking blades provided at opposite ends of said tucking members; supplementary tucking blades slidable vertically between said end tucking blades; and means for substantially terminating relative vertical movement of said supplementary tucking blades and said crate prior to the termination of relative vertical movement of said end blades and said crate.

9. In a machine for lidding a lined and overfilled shipping crate, the combination of: means for pressing a lid onto said crate in position for securing said lid to said crate; a pair of side tucking members provided on said machine; downwardly extending tucking blades provided at opposite ends of said tucking members; supplementary tucking blades slidable vertically between said end tucking blades; means for terminating relative vertical movement of said supplementary tucking blades and said crate prior to the termination of relative vertical movement of said end blades and said crate; and means for varying the point of said termination of relative vertical movement of said supplementary tucking blades and said crate.

10. In a machine for lidding a lined and overlled shipping crate, the combination of: means for pressing a lid onto said crate in position for securing said lid to said crate; liner tucking means; and means for causing relative vertical movement between said crate and said tucking means to extend the latter into said crate to tuck a portion of said liner downwardly between the walls and contents of said crate, said tucking means then yielding to said last mentioned means.

l1. In a machine for lidding a lined and overlled shipping crate, the combination of z means for pressing a lid onto said crate in position for securing said lid e to said crate; liner tucking means adapted to tuck portions of said liner downwardly between the walls and contents of said crate, said tucking means being mounted so as to be yieldable vertically; and stop means provided on said tucking means, said stop means being adapted to contact said crate so as to limit the relative vertical movement of said tucking means and said crate.

12. In a machine for lidding a lined and overfilled shipping crate, the combination of: means for pressing a lid onto said crate in position for securing said lid to said crate; liner tucking means adapted to tuck portions of said liner downwardly between the walls and contents of said crate, said tucking means being mounted so as to be yieldable vertically; and means for selectively limiting the degree of tucking action of said tucking means relative to the upper edges of said crate.

13. In a machine for lidding a lined and overlled shipping crate, the combination of: means for pressing a lid' onto said crate in position for securing said lid to said crate; liner tucking means adapted to tuck portions of said liner downwardly' between the walls and contents of said crate, said tucking means being mounted so as to be yieldable vertically; and stop means provided on said tucking means, said stop means being adjustable vertically and adapted to contact said crate so as to limit the relative vertical movement of said tucking means and said crate.

14. In a machine for lidding a lined and overfilled shipping crate with portions of said liner folded over the top of the contents of said crate and with excess top portions of said liner disposed over end portions of said contents,r the combination of: means for pressing a lid onto said crate in position for securing said lid to said crate; a side tucking lmember associated with said lidding machine, end portions of said tucking member extending downwardly a greater distance than the center portion thereof; and

iilled shipping crate with portions of said liner folded over the top of the contents'of said crate and with excess top portions of said liner disposed over end portions `of said contents, the combination of: tucking means extending downward between a. side wall and the contents of said crate, said tucking means carrying said liner down between said wall and said contents; supplementary tucking means slidably mounted on said rstv mentioned tucking means and means provided on said supplementary tucking means for limiting relative vertical movement of said-supplementary tucking means and said crate.

16. In a machine for lidding a lined and over- ,lled shipping crate, the combination of: means for pressing a lid onto said crate in position for securing said lid to said crate; a vertically yieldable tucker; means for extending said tucker between a side wall and the contents of said crate; and means for selectively limiting the degree of tucking action of said tucker relative to the upper edge of said side wall.

HALE PAXTON. 

